Sorting Out Race Lecture Series - "A Culture, Not a Costume"

Sorting Out Race demonstrates in obvious ways how systemic racism manifests itself in our daily lives. Every day thrift stores across America receive donations of objects that display racial imagery— antique advertising cards, collectible salt-and-pepper shakers, vintage children’s books, and mugs with sports team mascots. Are these objects harmless reminders of historical attitudes or do they continue to perpetuate negative stereotypes about race? Should thrift stores sell these objects? Or should they be “sorted out” of the resale environment and discarded?